Albania promoting Kosovo, bilateral ties in Arab countries

TIRANA, Nov 24 – Deputy Foreign Minister Edith Harxhi made a tour in Middle East countries to discuss bilateral cooperation and also promote recognition of Kosovo from those countries.
Harxhi made her first visit to the Syrian Arab Republic where she met with her counterpart Al Mura.
They also talked about some agreements in the economic field, tourism and some joint protocols of cooperation expected to be signed between Albania and Syria soon.
Harxhi also talked on the necessity of recognizing Kosovo’s independence by the Syrian side, mentioning the fact that 63 states in the world and two major international organizations, among which 11 are member countries of the Islamic Conference have already done so.
Harxhi had a separate meeting with a group of Albanians from our Diaspora in Syria.
Soon, an Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Albania is due to be opened in Damascus.
Harxhi also held a series of meetings in Lebanon. In Beirut, Mrs. Harxhi was received by Lebanon’s Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Saad Hariri, General of Security Forces Rifi Ashraf, Minister of Economy and Trade Mohammed Safadi and Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry Ambassador William Habib.
They discussed relations between Albania and Lebanon, the necessity for their intensification and signing several bilateral agreements, such as the promotion of investments and avoidance of double taxation, agreement on abolishing visas for diplomatic and service passports and agreement in the field of tourism and civil aviation.
She also talked on Kosovo’s recognition
The Lebanese officials showed good understanding hoping that soon Lebanon will join the states that have recognized it.